If you drive for work, you may pay attention when the IRS updates the standard mileage rate used to deduct business driving expenses. The rate rises most years, but it also falls occasionally. That’s because mileage rates follow gas prices.

For 2017, the standard mileage rates are:

  • 53.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 54 cents for 2016.
  • 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 19 cents for 2016.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven, up 1 cent from the rate for 2017.
  • 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 1 cent from the rate for 2017.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

The business mileage rate and the medical and moving expense rates each increased 1 cent per mile from the rates for 2017. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. These and other requirements are described in Rev. Proc. 2010-51.

Notice 2018-03, posted today on IRS.gov, contains the standard mileage rates, the amount a taxpayer must use in calculating reductions to basis for depreciation taken under the business standard mileage rate, and the maximum standard automobile cost that a taxpayer may use in computing the allowance under a fixed and variable rate plan.

Mileage rates and gas prices for IRS

If you have questions, please contact Allen Pierce, a certified public accountant serving Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas.